FOLEY – The City of Foley is moving forward with a series of environmental enhancement projects aimed at improving water quality and protecting natural resources, following recent action by the Foley City Council.
The Council has approved a construction management contract for the Wolf Creek Restoration Project, which focuses on stabilizing the creek’s banks in three critical areas.
“This project targets sections north of OWA near the Beach Express, west of Swift Church Road, and north of Highway 98 near Sandy Creek,” said Leslie Gahagan, Foley’s Director of Sustainability and Natural Resources. “These areas have experienced erosion and bank failure, which contribute to sedimentation in the waterways.”
By stabilizing the creek banks, the project aims to reduce siltation and improve the overall health of the watershed. The initiative is fully funded by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, ensuring no local tax dollars are required.
Planning for the Wolf Creek Restoration Project began two years ago. With all necessary environmental permits now in place, construction is set to begin soon.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich emphasized the regional benefits of the work.
“This is a great example of Foley being a good neighbor,” Hellmich said. “The improvements to Wolf Creek will have positive downstream effects for communities like Elberta and beyond. We’re grateful for the grant funding that allows us to address these longstanding issues.”
In addition, the City Council approved amendments to the engineering contract for the Michigan Avenue Regional Detention Pond project. Located in the Beulah Heights neighborhood in southeast Foley, this project will expand the existing detention pond and now includes enhanced landscape design features.
These projects are part of Foley’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, flood mitigation, and regional environmental stewardship.